The Convention of Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 “An International Cooperation” Nathalie Munoz p1 APES

The Issue Function: stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in atmosphere at a level that prevents unsafe human-induced interference with the natural climate system. The US is in international efforts on climate change EPA participates in mutual and bilateral activities by establishing partnerships and providing leadership, technical expertise and capacity building support. Environmental Issue Affected: Countries that ratify the Kyoto Protocol agree to reduce emissions of six greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs and PFCs. The countries are allowed to use emissions trading to meet their obligations if they maintain or increase their greenhouse gas emissions.

Who is Responsible? No one country or agency enforces the Kyoto Protocol but rather all countries. Most of the world’s industrialized nations support the Kyoto Protocol. One important exception is the United States, which releases more greenhouse gases than any other nation and accounts for more than 25% of those generated worldwide. The Kyoto Protocol was negotiated in Kyoto, Japan, in December It was opened for signature on March 16, 1998, and closed a year later. Under terms of the agreement, the Kyoto Protocol would not take effect until 90 days after it was ratified by at least 55 other countries involved in the UNFCCC.